Tips on Keeping Your Plumbing System Properly Maintained 

 

Keeping your plumbing system properly maintained can prevent many of the issues that can lead to costly repair bills. To do this, you need to understand how your system works. 

This includes understanding what can and cannot be put down drains. For example, kitchen drains can clog when grease and oils are poured down them. Likewise, flushing wipes (even those marked as “flushable”) can cause blockages. 

Inspect Your Pipes Regularly 

Having plumbing that works well is something most of us take for granted until it doesn’t. Your plumbing system is an intricate connection of pipes that bring clean water in and take wastewater out. Without proper maintenance, these pipes can cause issues with your faucets and fixtures and even lead to higher utility bills. 

Leaks can also be a problem, causing water damage and costly repairs. Small household leaks add up to gallons of lost water every day, so it’s important to check for them regularly. 

Your professional plumber can inspect your entire piping system, including crawl spaces and behind walls where problems might hide. These inspections can help you catch and resolve issues before they turn into expensive emergency plumbing repairs. Installing cleanouts at key locations, such as where drain lines change direction or where the main pipe exits your home, is another way to make these inspections easier. These access points will allow you to clear clogs and inspect pipes without extensive disassembly of your plumbing system. 

Clean Your Faucets and Fixtures Regularly 

One of the most important things that every homeowner should know is how to keep their home plumbing fixtures and faucets clean. After all, these fixtures and appliances bring in fresh water for drinking and cleaning as well as carry away waste water safely and efficiently. 

Over time, bathroom and kitchen sink faucets and taps can become stained with grime and mineral deposits that affect their appearance and performance. Regular cleaning can help eliminate these deposits as well as germs and bacteria that accumulate around these fixtures. 

To keep your faucets looking good, make sure you wipe them down daily with a damp cloth or sponge. This will prevent soap scum, water spots and fingerprints from forming. Additionally, use a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water to remove hard-water deposits from your sink and shower faucets. You can also soak your fixtures with a commercial descaling product, following the instructions on the packaging. 

Check Your Toilets for Leaks Regularly

Nearly 1 trillion gallons of water are wasted by American households each year, and much of it is due to leaks and other problems. Performing regular plumbing inspections can catch many of these problems before they become major emergencies. 

Look for water stains, unusual odors, and signs of mold growth. Check under sinks and behind toilets, as well as outdoor areas where pipes run, to see if there is any moisture or dampness. Also, listen for gurgling sounds, which may indicate trapped air. Leaky pipes can waste huge amounts of water and can lead to damage to walls, floorings, foundations, and furniture. Detecting and repairing these leaks early can save you money and prevent costly repairs. The best way to test for leaks is by using a dye kit, which is available from most home improvement stores. This kit works by placing drops of food coloring in the toilet tank, and if color appears in the bowl within an hour, you have a leak. 

Install Cleanouts 

Cleanouts may seem like a minor part of your plumbing system, but they play a big role in keeping it healthy. They provide access points for addressing blockages and maintaining airflow in your pipes. 

The most important function of cleanouts is that they allow plumbers to easily inspect and clear your sewer lines. They are a series of capped pipes, usually located in basements or crawl spaces, that connect to your sewer line. They are typically labeled with a “cleanout” sign or some other marking to make them easy to locate in an emergency. 

Without a cleanout, it can be very difficult to remove clogs and conduct other routine maintenance on your sewer line. You’ll have to break through your foundation or dig up the ground in order to access the sewer line, which can be expensive and time consuming. Additionally, cleanouts serve as ventilation points for the sewer system, allowing hazardous and foul-smelling gases such as hydrogen sulfide to escape safely. If you need, sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-queanbeyan/ have a lot of resourceful information that can help with plumbing maintenance or repairs.